Unreal Engine 5 Implements Major Coordinate System Update to Enhance Developer Workflow

Unreal Engine 5 Adopts a Unified Coordinate System for Improved Compatibility

Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney announced a significant update to the Unreal Engine, introducing a new coordinate system designed to streamline development processes across multiple platforms. The engine will now utilize the Left-Up-Forward (LUF) coordinate convention, aligning with the standards used by most modern 3D software tools.

Changing the Definition of “Up” in a Major Engine Update

Previously, Unreal Engine designated the Z-axis as “up,” which set it apart from other popular engines like Maya, Houdini, and Unity, where the Y-axis typically represents “up.” Moving forward, Unreal Engine will switch to Y-axis as “up,” creating a more consistent experience for artists and developers working across different environments.

Why This Shift Matters for the Industry

While at first glance this may seem like a minor technical adjustment, it carries profound implications for the industry. Games, films, and virtual worlds are often created using multiple software tools, each with its own coordinate conventions. When these systems differ, it can lead to confusion, bugs, and increased workload during tasks such as importing models, animations, or scripting.

Adopting a common coordinate system aims to eliminate these issues, making cross-platform development more efficient and reducing errors. This move is expected to benefit artists, programmers, and studios by simplifying workflows and improving collaboration across different tools and projects.

Implementation Timeline and Future Plans

The first to transition to the new coordinate system will be Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN), followed by the entire Unreal Engine 5 and future versions like Unreal Engine 6. According to Sweeney, this change is essential as the ecosystem becomes increasingly interconnected, and standardization becomes vital for future growth and innovation.

Industry Impact and Notable Demonstrations

This update aligns with ongoing industry trends toward greater compatibility and efficiency. Recently, CD Projekt Red showcased a tech demo featuring the first gameplay of “The Witcher 4” during the State of Unreal 2025 event, highlighting Unreal Engine 5’s advanced capabilities.

As the industry continues to evolve, adopting unified standards like the LUF coordinate system will likely become a cornerstone for seamless creative workflows and cutting-edge project development.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.